At Learning Ladder Cranbourne, in the Honeybees Room, educators understand the importance of nature in child development. They believe that nature is a tool for children to explore both the wider world and themselves.

To foster this exploration, they created a sensory tray filled with rice, black beans, and natural leaves. This sensory tray is more than just a play area; it is a miniature ecosystem designed to stimulate curiosity and learning.

The tray includes bugs, tongs, a magnifying glass, and bug-catching containers. These tools encourage children to engage in hands-on activities, promoting fine motor skills and observational abilities. The act of using tongs to pick up small items or a magnifying glass to examine bugs up close helps children develop focus and attention to detail.

By interacting with the sensory tray, children experience the textures, colors, and shapes of various natural elements. This sensory engagement helps them connect with nature, fostering a sense of wonder and respect for the environment. It also encourages them to ask questions and think critically, laying the foundation for lifelong learning. In this nurturing environment, children learn about the world around them and discover their interests and capabilities.

The sensory tray in the Honeybees Room is a simple yet powerful tool that brings the wonders of nature into the classroom, enriching children’s lives in countless ways.